Since its inception in 2013 with Man of Steel, the so-called DC Extended Universe has struggled to settle upon a tone. While Wonder Woman was praised for its optimism, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice was criticized for being too dark and moody, while Suicide Squad was often viewed an attempt to mimic Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy. But according to the president of Warner Bros. Pictures Group, with Aquaman director James Wan has struck a perfect balance.
“It’s not too hot or too cold — [Wan] struck a great balance between fun and jeopardy, edge and wonder, comedy, and tragedy,” Toby Emmerich told Variety. He also praised the underwater kingdom of Atlantis that Wan brings to life onscreen, saying, “James created a totally original underwater universe. Just as Patty Jenkins did with Themyscira, James’ Atlantis is cool and compelling — unlike any world we’ve seen on film before, in a superhero movie or any other.”
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Even before Emmerich's endorsement, the first trailer for Aquaman depicted a more lighthearted approach to the Jason Momoa's sea king and his world, while embracing the fantasy elements of the character and his mythos.
Directed by James Wan, Aquaman stars Jason Momoa as Aquaman, Amber Heard as Mera, Patrick Wilson as Ocean Master, Willem Dafoe as Nuidis Vulko, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Black Manta, Temuera Morrison as Thomas Curry and Dolph Lundgren as Nereus. The film is scheduled to make a big splash in theaters Dec. 21.